Comfort Zone...what's that?

If one thing’s for sure, Peace Corps has taught me not only to work outside comfort zone…but to not even have one because even if I did, I would never be in it. I’m getting rather good at being thrown into crazy situations that I’d never experience in America. An excellent example of this is Long Field Practice (LFP). LFP is an opportunity for us, as PCTs, to experience what being a PCV is actually like. We went out to a campo community with a group of five, along with a language teacher (no, we didn’t escape language class during this trip haha) and a technical trainer. My group visited the most amazing PCVs, named Katie and Brad, who are married. As far as volunteers go, these two take the cake. I aspire to be like them, mainly because they are so resourceful. They had the BEST food options for us while were there. Let me just name a few of the snacks we devoured (keep in mind they are all homemade!!): bagels, hummus, pita, caprese salad, mozzarella, goat cheese and crepes. Their house is literally my food heaven.  Their site is literally the most beautiful place I’ve seen in Paraguay thus far. The view was breathtaking. When we arrived we were legitimately dropped off at a house of some random family that we’d never met before and were expected to live there only 3 days. How awkward is that?! “Hi family, I don’t know you, and you certainly don’t know me…but I’m gonna live in your house for 3 days and you’re expected to feed me. Oh and by the way…I can’t really communicate with you because I don’t know the language that well!!!” however, it must be noted that Paraguayans are among the most gracious of people. I’m always amazed by their willingness to open their homes, and hearts, to us.

We had a jam packed schedule chock full of activities. On the first day we got acquainted with our families and went to observe Katie and Brad while they gave a charlita (small charla) about dental health to some mothers. On the second day we had language class bright and early (Más guaraní!) and then we had time to prepare our own charlas about dental health. Later on that day, my group presented our first ever charla to a group of mothers. It was really nerve wracking but we got through it. Despúes, we all went for a run which was a really awesome way to see more of their community (have I mentioned that I’ve sort of gotten back into running? Well I have. Eating all of this fatty, greasy food makes me crave physical activity!) The next day we had more language and then had time to prepare another charla, which took up most of our day. In the afternoon, we participated in Katie and Brad’s computer class. It was so fun! It was sort of like a competition, each PCT had a little kid paired up with them and we had a scavenger hunt to complete which was teaching them how to use the internet and Microsoft Word. Later on we went on another run. That night we had a movie night and watched Frozen (EXCELLENT movie). It was so nice just being able to hangout and feel American, without feeling watched or without feeling out of place. On the last morning, we presented our second charla about parasite (general info and prevention methods) to a class of 6^th graders. It was so fun because the kids were really into it. We had to make sure to incorporate a lot games and activities to keep them engaged in the topic but I loved it. However, I will say that it’s pretty daunting having to teach a mini class about an intense topic while not really knowing the language as well as I’d like… oh well. Remember what I said about the comfort zone thing?

Some other random little tidbits:
I bought some peanut butter on the way to LFP which was so exciting and I had apples and pb aka my absolute favorite snack! Buttttt, the peanut butter here is a lot sweeter than I’m used to (imagine that); it will have to suffice.

Katie and Brad adopted the most adorable kitten named Pepper. She was my best friend during LFP. I didn’t think I’d want a pet while I’m here but after meeting Pep I definitely want one to keep me company once I’m site (name suggestions anyone?). Plus I realized that it will probably be my last chance to have a furry friend considering my betrothed is VERY allergic.

Oh! We had real life coffee every day at LFP. I didn’t realize how much I missed quality black coffee until I was able to have it again at their house. I felt like an addict for a minute there. Side note: it would be super duper awesome if anyone wanted to send me some decent coffee (starbucks brand or something similar) in the future!